GI Bill Education Benefits

All degree programs offered at Western Governors University are deemed approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for all education benefits offered under the GI Bill®. Education benefit options are available for veterans and active duty servicepersons, dependents, and those with service in the National Guard and Reserves. Eligibility for benefits and the amounts available depend upon the serviceperson’s period of military service, years of service, and other factors.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered through Veterans Affairs is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Because WGU’s tuition rates are quite modest, most education benefits will generally be eligible
for benefits that more than cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and books.

After you are admitted to WGU, your Enrollment Counselor
can direct you to WGU’s Military Support department for specific instructions on completing the necessary paperwork.

Military Tuition Assistance

The competency-based degree programs at WGU are approved for Military Tuition Assistance. This approval was granted after a rigorous review by the Department of Defense that affirmed the substantive quality of WGU programs and the comparability of WGU’s competency units to traditional credit hours.

FAQ’s: Military Benefits

Q: What type of VA benefits will I qualify for?
The GI Bill provides generous education benefits to WGU students. Undergraduates may qualify for half, three-quarter, or full-time benefits.

Note: Half-time benefits are qualified as 12 Competency Units (CUs), which is considered full-time student status at WGU Washington. Graduate students will always qualify for full-time benefits when enrolled in the minimum requirement of 8 competency units.

Q: How quickly can I get my VA money?
After you have started your degree program and developed your personalized Degree Plan, the VA department at WGU will certify your program of study to the VA. This is done by the third week of the first month of each term. You should receive your first benefit payment within 5-8 weeks after a certification is submitted each term. You should then regularly receive a monthly payment after the last day of each month and your verification of attendance (if applicable). But first, you must apply to WGU Washington and be admitted. And you will need to have received notice of your VA education benefit eligibility. The VA department at Western Governors University can help you complete the necessary steps for attendance certification.

Q: Will I receive credit for my military experience?
WGU does not provide credit for military experience. However, students waive certain requirements based on ACE-reviewed military experience. You may also waive requirements based on DANTES and CLEP exams.

A full transcript review is always required, as well as an assessment to measure your applied education and compatibility with WGU Washington’s learning environment. If you have served in any branch of the military you should be able to obtain a military transcriptWGU’s VA department can direct you to the online resources to request it.

Q: How do my Post 9/11 education benefits work at WGU?
Post 9/11 (CH 33) benefits are paid differently than older chapters. Based on your entitlementwhich is factored from your length of qualifying active-duty servicea percentage of your tuition and fees will be sent directly to the school. 100 percent entitlement will cover your tuition and fees completely each term you have remaining entitlement. You will also receive a monthly stipend sent directly to you if you are not on active duty or the spouse of an active-duty service member utilizing a transfer of entitlement. This payment is 50 percent of the amount paid to a student attending an on-campus school, multiplied by your rate of pursuit. In an undergraduate program, 18 CU’s is considered 100 percent pursuit, but you do not have to enroll in 18 CU’s to get the benefit. 12-17 CU’s will be paid at the corresponding lesser percentage. In a graduate program, 8 CU’s is considered 100 percent pursuit. You will also receive a book stipend once each term up to the capped amount for your entitlement.